IWRM and the Nexus Approach: Versatile Concepts for Water Resources Education

Abstract

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the nexus approach are tools to identify solutions for water problems across interdependent sectors with interacting social and natural systems. Although both tools aim at solutions for complex water issues using an interdisciplinary approach, IWRM is a management process and the nexus approach is a systems tool to characterize problems. By clarifying their attributes and providing examples, instructors can use them to explain broad social problems and offer practical frameworks for problem-solving. Given their breadth, IWRM and the nexus approach can seem vague and attract criticism, but if they are replaced, the need for them will endure. The concepts are explained, and similarities between them are explored in the paper. Case study sources for them are identified, and the cases are classified by the processes of water resources management as applied across related sectors. How the concepts and their corresponding case studies can be used will vary by context. Suggestions are made for interdisciplinary instruction and discussions in disciplinary settings.

Ten Years of Research on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: An Analysis of Topics Evolution

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“…One of the criticisms addressed at the WEF nexus was based on IWRM's previous experience of not having improved integrated governance (Wichelns, 2017;Grigg, 2019;Roidt and Avellán, 2019). However, some differences between the two approaches are described by Benson et al (2015).…”

Flood Hazard Awareness at Old Dominion University: Assessment and Opportunity

“…Comparisons between information provided and retention are beyond the scope of this study but merit additional research. A framework with both interdisciplinary and disciplinary learning is needed to establish a broad foundation, offer practical flood management solutions (Grigg 2019), and adjust the range of views on flood risk.…”

La sostenibilidad del concepto de Desarrollo Sostenible. ¿Cómo hacerlo operativo?

“…Esto responde al indisociable vínculo existente entre el agua y las tres dimensiones de la sostenibilidad, al considerar a dicho recurso natural como su núcleo y como la red que interconecta a los ODS propuestos por la Agenda 2030 (Ait-Kadi, 2016; Foster & Ait-Kadi, 2012). Tanto el Desarrollo Sostenible como la gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos (GIRH), son conceptos complejos, complicados de explicar y fáciles de criticar, que han surgido como respuesta a los crecientes alcances y escalas de los problemas mundiales, brindando marcos de referencia para enfrentar conflictos interconectados (Grigg, 2019).…”